The United Kingdom Embassy in Zimbabwe has expressed support for the recently enacted Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, aligning Zimbabwe’s regulatory framework with international standards on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. This endorsement comes amidst significant apprehension from civil society organisations (CSOs) regarding the potential impact on their operations and freedoms.
UK Endorsement Highlights Global Regulatory Practices
In a statement, the UK Embassy acknowledged the passage of the PVO Amendment Bill into law, noting concerns raised by CSOs. However, it emphasized that effective regulation of civil society organisations is a global standard, citing the UK’s own measures to ensure transparency and accountability within its charitable sector.
The Embassy stated: “We note that the PVO Amendment Bill has been passed into law, raising concern among civil society organisations. In our experience at home and around the world, regulation of CSOs is effective.”
This perspective aligns with practices in other Western nations, where regulatory bodies oversee the operations of non-profit organisations to prevent misuse of funds and ensure adherence to legal standards.
Government’s Justification and International Standards
The Zimbabwean government asserts that the PVO Amendment Act is necessary to align with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation 8, which aims to prevent the misuse of non-profit organisations for terrorist financing and money laundering.
However, critics argue that the implementation of the Act does not adhere to FATF’s risk-based approach and lacks adequate consultation with stakeholders. They express concerns that the law could be used to suppress dissent and limit the operational space of organizations critical of the government.
